Methods, systems, arrangements and computer-accessible medium for providing micro-optical coherence tomography procedures

Abstract

Exemplary apparatus and method can be provided for obtaining data regarding a plurality of samples. For example, using at least one arrangement, it is possible to receive interferometric information that is based on radiations provided from a reference and the samples that are provided in respective chambers. Alternatively and/or in addition, based on the interferometric information, it is possible to discriminate between agents to identify a particular agent that affects a particular function within at least one of the samples.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An apparatus for obtaining data regarding a plurality of samples, comprising:
 a μOCT-based high-throughput screening system comprising at least one interferometer arrangement which receives interferometric information that is based on radiations provided from a reference interfered with each of the plurality of samples that are provided in a respective plurality of chambers; and 
 at least one computer arrangement which is configured to: 
 a. obtain dynamic tracking data regarding particles associated with the plurality of samples using the interferometric information, and 
 b. determine mucus properties of the plurality of samples using the dynamic tracking data. 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one interferometer arrangement comprises at least one optics configuration which is configured to focus at least one electromagnetic radiation on the samples, and
 wherein a depth range of the focus of the at least one electromagnetic radiation caused by the at least one optics configuration is greater than a confocal parameter associated with a transverse resolution of the focus. 
 
     
     
       3. The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one interferometer arrangement comprises a confocal arrangement, a florescence arrangement, Raman arrangement, an infrared arrangement, spectroscopic arrangement, a multiphoton arrangement, a multiharmonic arrangement, a nonlinear microscopy arrangement, a CARS SRS arrangement, or an ultrasound arrangement. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the respective plurality of chambers comprises a respective plurality of agents. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein one of the plurality of agents is different from another one of the plurality of agents. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein the at least one interferometer arrangement is further configured to obtain the data using the interferometric information based on an interaction of the plurality of agents with the plurality of samples. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein one of the plurality of agents is the same as another one of the plurality of agents. 
     
     
       8. The apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein one of the plurality of agents and another one of the plurality of agents differ from one another in a quantity or a concentration thereof. 
     
     
       9. The apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein one of the plurality of agents and another one of the plurality of agents are applied at different time periods within the respective chambers. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of samples includes a living cell. 
     
     
       11. The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of samples includes a cilia. 
     
     
       12. An apparatus for obtaining data regarding at least one of a plurality of structures, comprising:
 a plurality of chambers which at least partially include the plurality of structures, respectively; 
 a μOCT-based high-throughput screening system comprising at least one interferometer arrangement which receives interferometric information that is based on radiations provided from a reference interfered with each of the plurality of structures that are provided in the plurality of chambers; and 
 at least one computer arrangement which is configured to: 
 a. obtain dynamic tracking data regarding particles associated with the plurality of structures using the interferometric information, and 
 b. determine mucus properties of the plurality of structures using the dynamic tracking data. 
 
     
     
       13. An apparatus for obtaining data regarding a plurality of samples, comprising:
 a μOCT system comprising at least one interferometer arrangement which receives interferometric information that is based on radiations provided from a reference interfered with each of the plurality of samples that are provided in a respective plurality of chambers and the sample, 
 each of the plurality of samples comprising a ciliated tissue including mucus; and 
 at least one computer arrangement which is configured to: 
 a. obtain dynamic tracking data regarding particles associated with each of the plurality of samples using the interferometric information, and 
 b. determine mucus properties of each of the plurality of samples at least one sample using the dynamic tracking data. 
 
     
     
       14. The apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the particles are at least one of added or intrinsic to the at least one sample. 
     
     
       15. The apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the particles have a diameter that is less than 1 micron. 
     
     
       16. The apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the particles have a diameter that is less than 2 microns. 
     
     
       17. The apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the particles have a diameter that is less than 5 microns. 
     
     
       18. The apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the particles include inclusions in the mucus. 
     
     
       19. The apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the dynamic tracking data include a measurement of at least one of a displacement or a size of at least one of the particles.